Questions' Types

How to handle Questions

in class

Audience Types

Provocative Questions

Mr. “I know it All”

The Silent one

Mr. Objection

The sleepy one

The Side Talker

THANKS

with a lot of Questions

The interrupter

Start

Some ways to handle answers to questions that will maintain a high level of participation

1- The Provocative Questioner

• Don’t consider the question provocative, instead answer as if you didn’t notice.
• Be calm and use a relaxed tone of voice, as if you are talking to a friend, not an enemy.
• Don’t forget to smile, but make sure it’s not a sarcastic smile.
• Be honest when you answer, and admit if you were wrong and say “I don’t know” if you don’t.
• Welcome the question, and mention that such questions help clarify the subject.
• Remember that if you did not win the questioner, at least you will win the rest of the audience.
• Avoid getting into argument with the person asking.

2- Mr. Objection

• In the beginning, try to win the audience to your side before he affects them.
• Ask for audience opinion in what he says.
• Be ready with answers to popular questions, this will minimize the objections.
• Don’t lose your temper or debate, and if you reached a blocked path, then say “ It seems we need to discuss it in details after the session”. You will find that most won’t continue debating.

3- The Person with a lot of Questions

• You don’t have to answer all of his questions.
• Try to answer as many questions in one answer.
• Don’t avoid any question, however you can say "I would be glad to meet/talk/phone…etc”.
• Don’t hesitate asking the questioner to repeat or clarify his question, if you cannot remember or understand

4- Mr. “I know it All”

• Don’t make fun of him, or underestimate him.
• Stick to facts and statistics, avoid debating in theories.
• Speak about what you know and your experience, and don’t question his.
• Quote from known experts’ words.

5- The interrupter

• It’s recommended to be direct with him, and gently ask him to give the rest a chance to express their opinions.
• If he repeated his interruption, do repeat your request to him.
• If he finished his speech, quickly direct your speech to the person who was interrupted previously, stating “ did your colleague mentioned what you wanted to say?”

6- The Side Talker

• Look directly in his eyes, and stop talking; make the silence control the situation; in this case his tone will appear loud. maybe this would stop him!!!
• Ask a general question then ask him about his opinion. (don’t use this approach unless it’s urgently needed, as it causes a lot of embarrassment)

7- The Silent one

• It’s recommended to use an (open question) and it’s way is: calling that person with his name and ask him a general question that cannot be answered shortly with a yes or no. (like: what do you think about? Or what’s your experience in?)
• Use the break to get to know the person closely and try to ask him about his opinion about the session.
• Remember there are no magical solutions yet be patient and don’t be in a hurry for results

8- The sleepy one

• Make sure that the interaction continues on with the audience.
• Make sure you use various A/V Aids.
• Play with your tone of voice.
• Change your speaking approaches.
• Use stories and jokes to grab his attention.
• If all the above didn’t work, let him sleep. (He might be really tired)

Thanks